The goal of the proposed research is to examine correlates of generosity as evidenced by civic engagement (CIV) and volunteering (VOL) behavior. To accomplish the aforementioned goal, we propose to administer online and analyze a battery of measures related to civic engagement and volunteering in a sample of about 500 Italian Young adults from age 18 to age 30 years. With the proposed data collection, we can better examine potential contributors of VOL/CIV and measure an array of important potential correlates of markers of generosity and benevolent motives.
The key outcome variables in the study will include young-adults¿ VOL and CIV, and, to a lesser degree, extensive and/or costly helping behavior with friends/family. Correlates will include morally relevant values/behaviors (e.g., moral values, prosocial behavior), morally relevant emotions (e.g., guilt, forgiveness, sympathy, personal distress), other relevant aspects of personality (e.g., self-efficacy, conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, openness, emotional stability/neuroticism, self-regulation), psychological and social well being (life satisfaction, optimism, self-esteem, quality of social relationships), religiosity/spirituality.
Conceptually grounded direct relations among these predictors and our proxies of generosity will be assessed. In addition, we expect the relations of many of the personal variables listed above with VOL/CIV to be at least partially mediated by compatible motives.
To our knowledge, there are few data linking prosocial behavior or other personal characteristics to high levels of CIV and VOL in adulthood. This project might contribute to our understanding of determinants of generosity in today young adult generation.